Congratulations on your new home purchase! Now begins the crucial task of ensuring its safety and longevity.
Once you’ve reviewed the pre-purchase building inspection report and finalised the purchase of your property, it’s vital to not only address its recommendations but also establish a routine home maintenance plan. Your building inspector stressed the importance of resolving structural and pest issues, but regular maintenance tasks are just as essential in safeguarding your investment and avoiding expensive repairs.
From weekly cleaning to yearly roof inspections, each task contributes to maintaining your home’s comfort, safety, and security. Let’s explore this maintenance checklist with actionable steps for home upkeep.
Weekly Maintenance
Weekly house cleaning goes beyond just keeping your home aesthetically pleasing. It plays a crucial role in preventing mould growth, staining, and infestation by pests. By incorporating regular cleaning into your routine, you can also detect any signs of dampness, which could indicate underlying issues such as leaks or poor ventilation.
Monthly Maintenance
Air conditioning units are essential for maintaining a comfortable indoor environment, especially during hot summers. To ensure their efficient operation, it’s imperative to clean air filters and replace dirty filters monthly if needed. Additionally, checking for any blockages in indoor and outdoor vents helps maintain proper airflow and prevents strain on the system.
Other monthly maintenance tasks include:
- Flushing unused drains regularly
- Check circuit breakers
- Testing hot water tank valves
- Checking for water heater leaks
- Clearing debris from drains
- Inspecting electrical cords for damage
Safety should always be a top priority in any home. Monthly checks of smoke detector alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and other safety devices are crucial for early detection of potential hazards.
Bi-annual Maintenance
Bi-annual exterior maintenance tasks focus on preserving the structural integrity of your home. Washing windows, screens, and external walls helps prevent dirt buildup and prolongs the lifespan of these surfaces. Servicing pool and water supply pumps according to the manufacturer’s instructions ensures their optimal performance and longevity.
Wooden structures such as decks and stairs are susceptible to weathering and decay over time. Regular inspection, cleaning, and oiling of these surfaces every six months help prevent rotting or warping, thereby ensuring the safety of inhabitants and visitors alike.
Additionally, you should:
- Clean exhaust fan grills and range hood filters
- Check for leaks or cracks around kitchen and laundry cabinetry and toilets
- Inspect, clean, and oil external decks, landings, and stairs
Yearly Maintenance
Roof and gutter maintenance are critical aspects of home upkeep, especially in regions prone to heavy rainfall or snow. An annual inspection of roof tiles for leaks and clearing gutters of debris prevents water damage to eaves and external walls.
Have a professional inspect the subfloor to ensure proper ventilation, detect signs of timber pests, assess soil settling that could impact stump stability, and determine if concrete slab foundations require stabilising or repair.
Also Read: Common Defects Found in Subfloors (and how to fix them)
Chimneys and flues require yearly cleaning to prevent blockages that could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning or fires. Regular maintenance of fireplaces and wood heaters ensures their safe and efficient operation.
Additionally, you should:
- Service air conditioners per manufacturer’s recommendations
- Seal cracks and gaps around windows and doors for efficient heating/cooling systems
- Touch up external paint
5-Yearly Maintenance
Interior and exterior painting every five years not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your home but also serves as a protective barrier against the elements. Resealing timber or stone floors helps maintain their durability and prolongs their lifespan.
10-Yearly Maintenance
Replacing smoke alarms every ten years is essential to ensure they remain effective in detecting smoke and fire hazards. Additionally, periodic replacement of vinyl flooring and carpets helps maintain the cleanliness and hygiene of your home’s flooring surfaces.
As Required Maintenance
Regular light bulb replacement and lubrication of door and gate hinges are simple yet effective tasks that contribute to the comfort and functionality of your home. Prompt repairs of cracked tiles, leaky faucets, or damaged seals prevent water damage and decay, preserving the structural integrity of your home.
By incorporating these tasks into your homeowner maintenance schedule, you can ensure that your home remains comfortable, safe, and secure for years to come. Remember, investing time and effort in regular upkeep now will save you from costly repairs and headaches down the road. So, embrace your role as a homeowner, and let’s keep your home in pristine condition together!
Contact Us
For information about our building and pest inspection services visit our Help Centre. To arrange a pre-sale inspection, visit our booking page for a quote or contact us free on 1300 337 447. We provide building and pest inspection services in QLD, NSW, and Western Australia.
